The Minnesota Twins are facing some early spring concerns as their ace, Joe Ryan, was unexpectedly scratched from his scheduled start against the Red Sox in the Grapefruit League. The team announced that Ryan is experiencing lower back tightness on his right side and is currently undergoing an MRI to assess the situation.
While it's possible this is just typical early-camp soreness as Ryan ramps up his throwing, the situation is worth keeping an eye on. The Twins are already reeling from the loss of Pablo Lopez, whose 2026 season is over before it began due to Tommy John surgery. If Ryan, another key piece of their rotation, faces a significant injury, it could be a tough blow for a team already on the fringe of contention.
Ryan's potential absence also has implications beyond the Twins. He's slated to represent the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Even if his back issue turns out to be minor, the Twins might decide to keep him out of the WBC as a precaution, especially if he needs to catch up on innings during Spring Training.
Coming off his first All-Star season, Ryan posted impressive numbers with a 3.42 ERA, a 28.2% strikeout rate, and a 5.7% walk rate over 171 innings. Despite a tendency to allow hard contact and being somewhat homer-prone, his performance over the last four seasons has cemented his status as a top-tier pitcher. With a 3.78 ERA, a consistent 5.7% walk rate, and a 27.5% strikeout rate across 614 2/3 innings, Ryan has proven his durability, aside from a teres major strain that cut his 2024 season short.
Trade rumors have swirled around Ryan, but the Twins opted to keep him during last summer's trade deadline despite a major selloff. With two years of affordable arbitration control left, Ryan remains a valuable asset for the Twins. If Minnesota finds itself out of the playoff picture again this season, expect those trade talks to heat up, assuming Ryan stays healthy and maintains his form.